The umbrella association, based in Washington DC, represents 16 commercial fishing organizations from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.
“The organization has an excellent track record and is a proven advocate for commercial fishermen across the country,” said Heather Mann, executive director of the trawlers cooperative, a non-profit industry trade association with members on the West Coast and communities throughout the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
Her organization is looking forward to working with the Harvesters to promote accountable, thriving commercial fisheries along the Pacific Coast and nationwide far into the future, she said.
The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association has been following the many successes of the Harvesters and looks forward to joining the leadership to help keep commercial fishermen here in Massachusetts and across the nation fishing for years to come,” said Beth Casoni, who serves as executive director.
Harvesters Chairman Chris Brown heralded the addition of the two new member organizations on April 20, saying they demonstrate a dedication to the broader fishing community as well as the resources upon which they depend.
They reflect the important mission we have as a voice for commercial fishermen in our nation’s capital, as well as the results we have delivered since our founding last year, he said.
Other member organizations include Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers, Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association, American Shark Fishery partnership, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, Fishing Vessel Owners Association, Fort Bragg Groundfish Association, Georges Bank Cod Fixed Gear Sector, Inc., Gulf Fishermen’s Association, Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Shareholder’s Alliance, New Hampshire Groundfish Sectors, North Pacific Fisheries Association Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association, Rhode Island Commercial Fishermen’s Association, South Atlantic Fishermen’s Association, and United Catcher Boats.